Grumpier Old Men

Starring: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margaret, Sophia Loren, Kevin Pollak, Daryl Hannah, Burgess Meredith, Ann Morgan Guilbert, Cheryl Hawker
Directed by: Howard Deutch
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Romance
1995

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Max (Walter Matthau) and John (Jack Lemmon) put their differences aside when a new owner (Sophia Loren) threatens to turn their favorite bait shop into an Italian restaurant.

Review:

Tim: I first saw Grumpier Old Men back in the late 1990s. I actually saw this film before I saw the sequel. I remember enjoying it quite a lot. Several years after that, I finally watched the original. And, it's now been at least 22 years since I saw this movie. It holds up exactly as I remember it. With my added context now, I know it's not as effective as Grumpy Old Men, but a worthy sequel.

The main reason this movie works is obviously Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. Watching this for the second time (now, after both actors have passed), I was struck by what an absolute delight it is to watch these two comedy legends going head-to-head. They both always seemed like genuinely good people, hilarious actors who were comfortable poking fun at themselves and everyone around them. I felt such joy seeing them in these roles. Matthau and Lemmon were clearly friends and their on-screen chemistry is undeniable. Watching their friendlier moments is great, but they're really at their best when they are in conflict. This film does a nice job of balancing the kinder moments with some of the "grumpier" moments we would expect in their relationship. It's so interesting to see these two comedy titans embracing their advanced age for these roles. Undoubtedly, this is why the movie works. Just point the camera at these two and let them go, and you're halfway there. Getting to see them reprise these roles, deliver biting and humorous dialogue, and generally have a blast on screen felt like such a treat for audiences.

They have great support as well. Ann-Margaret has a smaller role this time around, which is fine. She was good in the first film, but she had to make room for new addition, Sophia Loren, who sucks up a lot of oxygen on screen. Loren's performance is big and bold, shifting the feeling of the entire film. I loved the energy she brought to the role. She's a big reason why this movie works, too. It feels like a different film because of what she brings. Kevin Pollak and Daryl Hannah once again provide nice supporting roles. Their story felt a little rushed with everything else going on in this movie, but they were effective. Burgess Meredith continues to be a national treasure here. His Grandpa role is one of the funniest of the film and you're constantly waiting to see what comes out of his mouth next. Meredith obviously had a blast bringing this character to life and is part of many of the film's funniest and most heartfelt moments. Meredith's supporting role is crucial to making this film as good as it was.

This is definitely a film where the cast comes first. The story is fine, but it almost feels like an afterthought. Nothing in the plot is especially interesting and it borrows heavily from the first film, with some minor tweaks. That's okay- I don't know if people would watch this for the story. It's good enough, in that it advances opportunities for the cast to interact and make us laugh. Some moments are downright silly in a borderline ineffective way, but they seem forgivable when you think about the great lines and great delivery we get from the cast at other times. The main story is that an Italian woman and her mother buy our protagonists' favorite bait shop and they plan to turn it into a restaurant. These old men don't want that to happen, so they wage a war against her. It's silly and predictable, but it does create opportunities for some solid gaps. The main subplot is that Pollak and Hannah's characters have relationship issues. This is a nice continuation from the events of the first film, but gets shortchanged in the grand scheme of the film. None of this feels especially important, but it's a decent enough plot that continues the story of these characters we really like. This is a film that mostly plays it safe by adhering to the formula of the original, but it does take a few chances here and there. It's enough for this to be a good movie, although clearly not quite as good as the first one.

I really enjoyed my time watching Grumpier Old Men. Even two decades later, I remembered the broad strokes and few specific moments very clearly. I'd watch these movies anytime, just to get to see Matthau and Lemmon yucking it up in such hilarious ways. I like that this movie embraced these actors in the twilight of their career and gave them opportunities to show the life that's still in people as they age. This movie is funny, heartfelt, and well worth watching.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Grumpy Old Men, The Odd Couple